You know that feeling when you’re completely dreading something and you really just don’t want to do it? Well, don’t.
We’re talking about the Winter Blues here. Just don’t do them! It’ll take a little planning (specifically, planning a trip to one of these four mood-boosting destinations), but you’ll be so glad you escaped home and got somewhere inspiring, energizing, and warm.
Goodbye, winter. (Photo Credit: @seasaltyspirits)
Ahh, warmth. Isn’t it nice?
Roatán, Honduras
If the incredible, silky white sands and lush swaying palms of Honduras’ renowned tropical island retreat don’t immediately take you to your happy place, we’re not sure what will. Adventurers and beach-dwellers alike love Roatán for its world-famous snorkeling and diving along the world’s second-largest barrier reef.
Hello, Roatán. (Photo Credit: @seasaltyspirits)
Instead of trudging through snow, you could be lounging poolside. (Photo Credit: @seasaltyspirits)
Lounging poolside and sampling some of the region’s coolest cuisine (think fresh pitaya or local corn veloute) might be more your speed, and, in that case, the infinity pool at Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa is a real beacon of joy. If you’re ready to get active, know that visitors to the island rave about the Carambola Botanical Gardens and excellent golf courses.
Play it by ear and do as much or as little as you want here.
Where to stay: Kimpton Grand Roatán Resort & Spa
New Orleans, Louisiana
The good times, they roll year-round in New Orleans, and you can’t help but feel alive and awakened when you’re here. Oh, and by the way, Mardi Gras falls in the first half of February. In case you’re into that kind of thing.
In February, the weather is perfect for strolling through the lush parks of New Orleans. (Photo Credit: @hotelfontenot)
You can rest easy at Kimpton Hotel Fontenot. (Photo Credit: @hotelfontenot)
Either way, winter temps average a mild 56 degrees, so a stroll amongst the magnolia trees in one of NOLA’s many historic parks (Audubon Park and New Orleans City Park are loved by locals) will definitely spark some joy. Tucking away inside some of the city’s celebrated and sometimes subversive bars, galleries, and world-class restaurants is a must here, too.
And don’t sleep on Peacock Room, an elegant yet eclectic bar (you can’t miss the taxidermied white peacocks) serving up fun and fanciful cocktails downtown.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Fontenot
Phoenix, Arizona
Talk about a mild winter. Sunny February days in Phoenix can reach the 70’s, making this the perfect place to get your golfing, hiking, and hot air balloon riding (yep) on.
Yes, you can wear a dress in the dead of winter in Phoenix — it’s magical. (Photo Credit: @palomarphx)
The colors of the desert landscape embody Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix. (Photo Credit: @palomarphx)
When things cool off at night, grab a jacket and head out for some serious dining: Netflix documentary star Chris Bianco, known as America’s best pizza maker, has operated Pizzeria Bianco for 35 years in Phoenix. Welcome Diner, where you’ll find plates like chorizo meatloaf, takes inspo from the South and Southwest. And Blue Hound Kitchen & Cocktails honors seasonal ingredients, paired with an award-winning cocktail program.
When you’re fueled up, walk it off by exploring the Phoenix Public Market (Saturdays, 8am – 1pm) for local products and seriously cool artisan goods.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Palomar Phoenix
Sydney, Australia
You can always decide to just send it (the winter despair, that is) and hop a flight to Sydney. Then… Hit. The. Beaches. Bondi Beach, Manly Beach, and Coogee Beach are excellent choices for swimming, coastal walks, and epic people watching.
You could be one of these lovely people swimming along the shore of Australia in the middle of winter. (Photo Credit: Annie Spratt)
Say hello to Bondi Beach. (Photo Credit: Johnny Bhalla)
The Sydney Festival, which usually takes place in January and February, features music, dance, art, and theater. It’s hard to be unhappy when you’re on a harbor cruise taking in Sydney’s iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.
And visits to the Royal Botanic Garden, the Taronga Zoo, and one of Sydney’s outdoor cinemas will be the cherries on top of a remember-it-for-life, it’s-peak-summer-here trip to Australia.
Where to stay: Kimpton Margot Sydney
The biggest problem? You may just not want to (ever) leave. (Photo Credit: Kevin Bosc)
So, take a note from the pros (the people who always seem suspiciously happy and you can’t put your finger on exactly why) and book a trip somewhere in February.
With travel surging around the holidays, March, and throughout the summer, February travel is an often underutilized, but always mood-boosting tool to keep things feeling bright and inspired.
